Total pages in book: 136
Estimated words: 131821 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 659(@200wpm)___ 527(@250wpm)___ 439(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 131821 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 659(@200wpm)___ 527(@250wpm)___ 439(@300wpm)
“Hi, Mase.”
He stares, gaze traveling over my face before settling on my single braid. This time, when his eyes come back to mine, there’s a spark there. It’s fleeting, and if I had blinked, I’d have missed it. Something warms in my chest, and I wonder if, subconsciously, I decided on a braid for his benefit or if it really was for the time factor.
My cheeks heat at the thought, but thankfully it’s dark out.
Mason looks to the sky, dewy with the July night air, and when he looks back to me, his entire demeanor softens.
It’s too much, and I drop my gaze to my lap, picking at the little balls of lint on the blanket covering my thighs.
“Payton—”
“I think I’ll go to bed after all.” I push to my feet swiftly, my knees bumping his as I do.
When my feet won’t move and Mason doesn’t either, I chance a glance at him.
A crestfallen expression takes over his features, and slowly he stands. We’re so close, both wedged between the seat and table.
My chest is pressed to his stomach, and if I were to tip my chin the slightest bit, my forehead would rest against his pecs. His hand raises, and I jolt when the heat of his knuckle grazes my cheek. He pulls back, and when I look up at him in question, his smile is forced.
“Just a little water,” he whispers, and only then do I realize a tear slipped.
I didn’t even feel it.
The sound of the sliding glass door opening reaches us, so Mason turns, heading straight to the ice chest. He grabs two beers, popping open a third and finishing it before his feet reach the sand. Walking in the opposite direction of his friends, he disappears under the dark night sky.
Dropping back in my seat, I close my eyes, hoping the deep breath will help hide the turmoil in my mind.
He walked away, knowing I needed him to. I fight the tears threatening to come back, guilt swimming through me for liking how he always knows what I’m feeling and hating that I do. He shouldn’t be able to read me the way he does.
But he’s always been that way, hasn’t he?
The cushion beside me dips, and I drop my head back to the soft pillow behind me, glancing over at my friend.
Arianna Johnson stares in the direction her twin brother just headed before turning to me with a small smile. “Want to tell me what happened between you two?”
Tensing, I swallow the knot in my throat and look out over the moonlit water.
I force my lips to lift in the corners, accepting the can of cream soda she passes my way. “Nothing happened.”
She tips her head a bit, and after a moment, she nods.
Ari doesn’t call me out on my lie, but we both know it is one.
What happened between Mason and me?
God. Where would I even begin…
CHAPTER TWO
Payton
Before, July
This was a huge mistake. I never should have come to California, and I have no idea what possessed me to do so. I mean, I haven’t talked to my brother in who the hell knows how long, and I thought it would be a good idea to show up on his doorstep and drop bombs?
Hey, Parker, I ignored your attempts to talk to me for hella long because I was pissed you left me with that vile woman who gave birth to us, and by the way, I’m a junior in high school, pregnant, ran away from home, and oh! Who’s the baby daddy, you ask? None other than the little brother to the asshole who stole and mistreats the girl you’re in love with.
I scrub my hands down my face.
Jesus Christ, how did he not toss me out on my ass right there, or worse…call our mother to come pick me up? Even if I think it, I know he would never, and while I’m stressing over everything, he’s doing the opposite.
Well, he’s probably stressing just the same, but his big brother instincts are second to none. I’ve been a brat, and he’s been nothing but supportive and encouraging.
What’s crazy, his friends have been the same, including me in every little thing they do, and it doesn’t seem forced or leave me feeling like the shadow they can’t get rid of.
They’re all pretty chill and easygoing. Way more tight-knit and meddling in one another’s business than I’m used to, but from what I can tell, there’s nothing malicious about it. More like a little family of friends who actually give a shit.
Still, as I glance from where Parker’s huddled beside a swing with Kenra to the others splashing around in the water not too far from where I stand, it’s clear I don’t belong here.
I’m not…like them.
They’re in swimsuits with wind-dried hair, and the girls wear not a speck of makeup, the norm for a day at the beach I’d assume.